Susan Spicer's White Gazpacho With Crispy Ham

This recipe from New Orleans chef Susan Spicer balances the fresh flavors of cucumber, almond and grape gazpacho with a bold garnish of savory ham

April 11, 2014 11:19 a.m. ET

SUSAN SPICER may not characterize her cooking as Creole, but the New Orleans way of freely incorporating the tastiest elements of various cuisines has clearly shaped her approach. Take this gazpacho, the chef's third Slow Food Fast contribution. Its seed was planted back in 1998, when she hosted the Spanish chef José Andrés for a cooking demonstration. Ms. Spicer had always liked chilled soups; they are particularly well suited to the Crescent City's climate. But as she observed the preparation of Mr. Andrés's classic Spanish gazpacho, she recognized how much body and depth could be gained by simply blending in a...